U. denies breach of confidence in lawsuit The plaintiff, former Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania custodian Leonard James Smith, 52, accused the University of discriminating against him after he appeared in a front-page Daily Pennsylvanian photo from a Louis Farrakhan speech at the Philadelphia Civic Center. Smith claimed that he was harassed and fired because of his religion, race and association with Farrakhan. "[The breach-of-contract] charge is absolutely ludicrous," Health System spokesperson Rebecca Harmon said. "Nothing has been disclosed by us that hasn't been disclosed in open court." Kristine Grady Derewicz, the attorney who made the initial remark, could not be reached for comment. Smith's attorney, Alex Pierre, would only say, "we shall see where we are," in responding to Harmon's comments. The release papers for the settlement are currently waiting to be signed by Smith. -- Andrew Ribner
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